Young professionals are flocking to auctions in unprecedented numbers and buying original paintings.Art experts estimate Ireland’s yuppies have been among the biggest buyers in a massive €80million spending spree on art in the past year.The most sought-after artists include Jack Yeats, Louis Le Brocquy, Robert Ballagh and Tony O’Malley.Ian Whyte of Dublin auctioneers Whytes said: “When I was younger you would have put a poster on a wall in your flat or wherever you were.“Now young people can afford to buy real art — limited edition prints for a few hundred euro or even a small oil or watercolour.“The important thing is that they are buying real original art.”Last year one young buyer snapped up a Jack Yeats oil painting for €250,000 at Whytes, while a Le Brocquy was acquired by another for €140,000.Mr Whyte said: “They are very discerning and don’t just buy any old stuff.”

Posted: 01|19|06 at 10:56 am. Filed under: Auction News.